16 June 2020

AGC e-News

Director's Message

Dear HDR Students,

We are fast approaching the middle of the year 2020 and much has happened. However, with the amazing effort of the whole community to stop the spread of COVID-19, South Australia is back on the road to recovery and the University is planning its return to campus. While most of you have continued your research on campus anyway, for those who have been in home office, there are 3 phases.

Phase 1 until the 21 June in which we plan and prepare for a safe return to campus.
The 2nd phase starts on the 22nd June, and until the 20th July we will open up the Campus to get ready for Semester 2.
In Phase 3, which is until the end of this year, we will focus on remaining safe and well.

So, what does this mean for you? If working from home works really well for you, you should continue to do so until 21 June. After that date, or in cases where research can be done safely on campus, we suggest that you discuss your plan to return to campus with your supervisor. However, to remain safe and well, it is of great importance to observe the physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines. Please refer to the University’s Returning to Campus Roadmap for more details.

On a different note, I would like to remind our international HDR students that the applications for the State Government’s International Student Support Package are still open. I encourage you to apply if you experience financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Finally, we would be very pleased to see you at our weekly HDR catch-ups every Friday 12pm. This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow students, to hear news from the Grad Centre and ask questions that come to your mind, all very casual. We will send Zoom details closer to date.

Stay warm and safe,

Doreen Krumbiegel
Director, Adelaide Graduate Centre

Tip of the Month

If you are a scholarship holder, make sure you are familiar with your scholarship conditions, especially your entitlements and obligations. Details will be listed in your Offer of Scholarship and/or Conditions of Award. Check these at least twice a year in case there have been any changes.

If your scholarship contains provisions for sick leave, you are encouraged to utilise this if you, or someone for whom you have caring responsibilities, are unwell for an extended period.

Taking sick leave as required means that you can continue to be paid and, in some cases, your scholarship expiry date may be extended. Application forms and instructions are available here.

International students in particular should remember that sick leave cannot be backdated. This means that even if your situation is valid and supported by medical certificates, the University is not permitted to backdate applications earlier than 28 days.

It is really important to remember that scholarship holders cannot apply for extensions due to delays caused by illness or injury, caring responsibilities or work commitments – these issues should be addressed by use of the leave of absence, sick leave, or half-time study provisions as applicable to your scholarship.

Virtual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition – Registrations closing soon!

The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition challenges Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students to effectively explain their research to a non-specialist audience. You’ll have 1 slide and 3 minutes to tell our community about your research and why it matters… Are you up to the challenge?

This year the 3MT competition has moved to a virtual format via video submission, and registrations are closing soon - don’t miss your chance to participate! Visit the 3MT website today for more information, and register by this Friday 19 June.

Submit a Nomination for Community Legends

Let’s champion the small things that made a difference during the COVID-19 crisis. Submit a nomination for Community Legends and help celebrate the kindness and resilience shown by the University of Adelaide community. Selected nominations will be honoured with a portrait by artist Fruzsi Kenez and feature in an exhibition.

Students, staff, alumni, volunteers and donors are all eligible to be nominated. A person is not able to nominate themselves. Full terms and conditions are available on the program website.

The first round of nominations will close on 22 June 2020. The deadline for the final round of nominations is 16 July 2020.

Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities

The Adelaide Graduate Centre maintains a searchable database of available scholarship opportunities (both full scholarships and supplementary scholarships), funded by both the University of Adelaide and external funding bodies. While the majority of available scholarships are awarded as part of the standard admission and scholarship rounds for domestic and international students, some are awarded at different times throughout the year, and may have a separate application process. Visit the Postgraduate Scholarships Website regularly for up to date information on current scholarship opportunities.

NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships (minimum data deadline was 10 June 2020, internal closing date for complete applications 22 June 2020)

The NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships scheme funds successful applicants to attain a research postgraduate degree (PhD or Masters). It aims to support those outstanding health and medical graduates early in their career so they can be trained to conduct research that is internationally competitive and develop a capacity for original independent research within Australia.

Applicants were required to submit minimum data no later than 10 June 17:00 AEST – applications which did not meet this deadline will not proceed.

For applicants who met this deadline, you will need to submit your completed application in Sapphire by 22 June 2020 (Institution internal closing date). The AGC will then review and provide feedback on your application, before submitting it to NHMRC.

Please read the information on the scholarships website carefully.

Fulbright Scholarships (applications close 6 July 2020)

Looking ahead to 2021/22? Why not apply for postgraduate study or research exchange to the US?

Fulbright Scholarship applications are open until 6 July 2020 with more opportunities on offer than ever before. Take your research/study to the US and connect with active, engaged and passionate collaborators at any US institution. Open to Australian postgraduate students (future and current), and can cover tuition/visiting researcher expenses, as well as travel and living costs. The Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship supports:

Students seeking to complete up to two semesters of their Australian postgraduate program in the U.S.
Students who wish to undertake a full American Master’s degree
Current Australian PhD students who seek to complete a period of research in the U.S.
Australian students who wish to complete an American PhD program

For further information please visit the Fulbright website. You may also view the webinar or contact Rosie Wilkes.

Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships Now Open (closes 2 September 2020)

Applications are now open for 2021 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships. Focused on developing leadership potential, the program supports ambitious individuals to expand their thinking and build confidence to find innovative ways to help create a better Australia.

Valued up to $120,000* over three years, the scholarship includes a nine-month bespoke Leadership Development Program, opportunities to gain global experience, and access to extensive networks through the W100 Scholars Network.

If you’re commencing a PhD or Masters in 2021 apply before 2 September 2020. Or nominate someone who should via the Westpac website.

Contact Rosie Wilkes to discuss your application and register for the online Information Session: 21 July at 2:30pm ACST.

* PhD students may also receive the RTP scholarship in addition to the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, providing value of over $200,000 collectively.

Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI) - Postgraduate Research Scholarship - Heliostat Project (applications close 31 October 2020)

Join the Centre for Energy Technology (CET) in this exciting heliostat aerodynamics research project. The aim of the project is to improve the design methods for wind load predictions and reduce the capital cost of manufacturing the heliostat components for commercial projects in the concentrating solar thermal industry.

The CET is one of SA’s fastest-growing research groups contributing to the solar thermal energy research at ASTRI.

The $10,000 per annum top-up scholarship is funded by the ASTRI and is conditional upon securing an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend (RTPS) valued at $28,092 per annum.

Please read the information on the scholarships website carefully.

Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI) - Postgraduate Research Scholarship - Solar Receiver Technology (applications close 31 October)

Join the Centre for Energy Technology (CET) in their research to develop high-temperature solar receiver technology for maximal efficiency and lifetime to pursue advanced power cycles. The aim of the research is to develop general guidelines on thermo-mechanical design standards for high-temperature concentrating solar power applications.

The CET is one of SA’s fastest-growing research groups contributing to the solar thermal energy research at ASTRI.

The $10,000 per annum top-up scholarship is funded by the ASTRI and is conditional upon securing an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend (RTPS) valued at $28,092 per annum.

Please read the information on the scholarships website carefully.

ARC Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources (applications open until filled)

Join the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources and help deliver the vital enabling tools – advanced sensors, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence – for automated, integrated and optimised mining.

There are 11 PhD scholarships available at the University of Adelaide. All PhD projects include an industry placement and offer a unique opportunity to work on industry-linked interdisciplinary projects with leading researchers and mining industry partners.

Apply now, with the view to start from mid to end-2020 onwards. Successful applicants will receive an indicative tax-free stipend of $34,013 per annum for three years as well as generous project operating funds. No tuition fees apply.

ARC – PhD Scholarship – Coarse Geometry: a novel approach to the Callias index and topological matter (applications open until filled)

This scholarship is supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant, DP200100729, and the successful student will be supervised by Prof Mathai Varghese and either of Dr Peter Hochs or Dr Guo Chuan Thiang. Topics include: index theory, geometric analysis, noncommutative geometry, mathematics of condensed matter physics, coarse geometry and topology.

To be considered for this scholarship, students should be eligible to enrol as a commencing student in a full-time PhD research program in Pure Mathematics. This opportunity is available to both domestic and international students. More information is available on the scholarships website.

PhD Scholarship in theory and modelling of ice-shelf disintegration (applications open until filled)

The scholarship is being funded to support a full-time PhD student who will undertake research modelling ice shelf vibrations forced by ocean waves, and will be working under the supervision of Associate Professor Luke Bennetts. There are three topics available for this PhD project, and is appropriate for those interested in dynamics, modelling and computation, and application to Antarctic science.

Applicants should hold an Honours degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering or a related field, and be eligible for admission to a PhD at the University of Adelaide. More information about scholarship eligibility and how to apply is available on the scholarships website.

Primary Industries AgTech PhD Scholarship (expressions of interest open until filled)

The Primary Industries AgTech PhD Scholarship at The University of Adelaide is funded by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to support a full time PhD student who is undertaking research in a topic that will aid or improve primary industry production or profitability through the application of technology. Full details available on the scholarships website.

SmartSat CRC Scholarship (applications open)

The SmartSat CRC is the largest space industry-research collaboration in Australia’s history. The SmartSat CRC invites expressions of interest for higher degrees by research (Masters and PhD) scholarships commencing in 2020. Scholarships are available for Australian residents. Non-residents will be considered, subject to project-specific requirements. Applicants will need to have a First-Class Honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. More information is available on the scholarships website.

HDR Industry Opportunities

Are you interested in creating an HDR industry placement or internship?

Many industry placements through the Industry Engaged PhD (IEP) program can be completed remotely/online with eligible organisations. The IEP program offers industry placements to current PhD students of 1-3 months (FTE) in duration, together with the completion of a number of Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) or other professional development activities. Placements can be proposed by a supervisor, students or external partners. The IEP provides a short term opportunity for a placement and collaboration between the University and an external organisation while also providing students with a unique industry experience. Industry partners are not required to provide a direct financial contribution for the program. Please visit our website to find out more.

Call for New Projects – The University of Adelaide Industry PhD (UAiPhD) Program (proposal submissions close 28 June 2020)

The next round of our UAiPhD program has launched and we invite interested supervisors to submit proposals until 28 June 2020.

Under the UAiPhD scheme, the research project is developed in collaboration between an industry partner and the University. Industry partners are not limited to private companies, and can include eligible government bodies and non-profit organisations.

Once recruited the 4-year UAiPhD program includes a 6-month industry placement for successful students together with selected industry development activities. Candidates are supported by a University Supervisor and an Industry Supervisor for the entire program and receive an attractive scholarship.

If you are interested in this program, please email HDR Industry Enquiries for more information and visit our website.

Events

JBI LIVE free webinar (Wednesday 24 June at 11am)

What are the lessons we are learning during COVID-19? What are the implications for the future of evidence-based healthcare?

Join Professor Zoe Jordan, JBI Executive Director, online for thoughtful discussion in 'Looking up before looking forward: the role of evidence- based healthcare through a post-pandemic lens' on Wednesday 24 June at 11am.

For more information, or to register, please visit the registration page.

Program Update from iCARST

iCaRST Program 1 2020, commenced mid-March, which was at the same time that the COVID 19 crisis hit the university. We held an orientation session that week as well as a lecture.

The next few weeks were ones of struggle for students and staff trying to get set up online and sort out their home lives. Quite quickly, we managed to get into a good rhythm and everyone participated well. It is difficult to believe that we are now coming to the end of the session part of our program. During the next few months we will be consulting with these students to assist them with the communication of their Research Proposals. In addition, we are looking forward to Program 2, which commences July 21.

Carmel Nicholas, Education Program Manager, iCaRST

Adelaide Graduate Centre Website Links

Respect. Now. Always.

The University seeks to promote an inclusive, respectful and fair environment for all people whilst engaged in University-related activities. A range of services are available to assist students who have safety concerns or have experienced bullying, sexual harassment or assault. For further information, help, or to report an incident, please visit the Safer Campus Community website.

As a student of the University, you can help to keep your campus safe by looking out for your own safety, and the safety of others and by conducting yourself in a manner consistent with the Student Charter. Remember that unacceptable behaviours such as Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Victimisation are not tolerated at the University.

Free, independent and confidential Counselling Service

Did you know that as a Postgraduate Student you are entitled to access counselling services provided to students at The University of Adelaide. To find out more information visit the Counselling Centre website.

Free and confidential Disability Service

As a Postgraduate Student you are also eligible for assistance from the Disability Service if you have a disability or ongoing medical condition. Information about the nature of your disability is not disclosed – information obtained from you about the functional impact of the disability is shared with academic staff solely for the purpose of assisting you with your studies. Details relating to the Disability Service and the on line registration process can be found on the Disability website.

Useful resources for staff can be found at the staff section of the Disability website.